Keene dam OK after heavy rainfall caused concerns it might breach

September 13. 2013 8:53AMKEENE – Water had to be pumped out of the pond held back by the Robin Hood Dam Thursday night when rains sent water levels above the dam's capacity causing concern it would breach, city officials said.

About 7 p.m., the city's Emergency Operation Center (EOC) was activated to assess and monitor the situation.

Public Works staff continued to monitor the water levels and the fire department was called in to help pump water out of the pond and into storm drains.

Residents in the immediate area were alerted to the situation.

City engineers, with the assistance of the state Department of Environmental Services Dam Bureau, inspected the dam and deemed its condition safe.

As the rain tapered off and with the water being pumped out of the pond, the water levels subsided, eliminating the earlier threat of the dam rupturing.

About 11:30 p.m., the EOC was terminated and pumping operations ceased. Public Works staff remained at the site through the night to keep an eye on the dam and the water level.